Doncaster path loss sparks safety fears

A concerned town councillor has called for a pavement on a busy stretch of road to be reinstated.

Thorne Moorends town counillor Richard Walker was dismayed to discover that the pavement on the A1146, – the main road which runs between Thorne and Hatfield – seemed to have been removed.

Coun Walker said: “Doncaster Council closed the road two or three weeks ago for repair works.

“I noticed that the pavement there seems to have been allowed to become covered in grass in that time and the council no longer seems to be maintaining it.

“There is no curb on the pavement, but I’m 65 years old and it’s been there for as long as I can remember.

“The council always used to make sure it was well kept and I don’t really know why they’ve just stopped.

“When I asked about it I was told it was because it’s not on a list of maintained footpaths.”

Coun Walker said he was worried that somebody could be fatally injured if the pavement is not fully restored.

He said: “It’s the only way really to walk from Thorne and Hatfield. It’s used by a lot of people, especially children.

“It’s a very fast road as well, if the pavement is not put back in place somebody will be seriously injured or even killed.

“You could go along the A614, which runs between Bawtry and Hatfield, but that road is even busier and even more dangerous for pedestrians.

“When we are all trying to promote a healthy lifestyle and get people walking about more it seems odd that they should want to get rid of a pavement.

“I will be putting a complaint in to the council about this.”

After making some enquiries, Coun Walker said: “I must say that the team at highways has been very helpful and I understand a meeting is to take place with their legal team to see what can be done about this situation.

“Apparently the current pavement didn’t meet regulations so they are going to see what they can do to make it better.”

A spokesman for Doncaster Council insisted the destruction of the pavement was not intentional and it would be replaced as soon as possible.

Lee Garrett, head of service, waste and highways infrastructure, said: “This informal track has been dug up during the road works.

“We are looking at how we can safely recreate a sustainable walking route along this section of road.”